Warwick, NY — A 26-year-old man from the City of Middletown has been indicted on charges of attempted murder and arson for allegedly setting fire to the home of a state trooper’s father in Warwick just days before Christmas last year. Tyler Williams is accused of using gasoline to ignite the blaze at the residence, driven by outrage over a traffic ticket issued by the trooper. The fire happened a few hours after the trooper gave Williams a ticket, according to the Orange County district attorney.
Prosecutors revealed that Williams meticulously researched the trooper’s name online, ultimately finding the address of his father’s home in Warwick. Orange County District Attorney Dave Hoovler described the incident as one of the most egregious acts against a police officer he has encountered in his career.
“This is a horrible set of circumstances and we fully intend to hold this individual accountable,” Hoovler stated. Williams, who has pleaded not guilty, remains in the Orange County Jail without bail and could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted.
The fire, which occurred in December 2023, caused significant damage to the house, rendering it uninhabitable. Fortunately, the trooper’s family was able to escape without injury. However, the property remains under repair nearly half a year later.
Warwick Police Chief John Rader expressed disbelief and concern over the targeting of law enforcement officers and their families. “It’s incomprehensible to think that we would be targeted, and our families and our homes would be targeted,” he said.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community. Neighbor Allen Clarkson, whose son-in-law is an NYPD officer, voiced the prevalent anxiety among police families regarding potential revenge attacks. “Police officers are often concerned about people trying to take revenge, but doing it against his father, that is really the lowest of low,” he told CBS News.
Mildred Garcia, another resident, expressed her distress over the incident. “I’m so upset because we’ve been neighbors for 20 years and they are great people,” she shared with WABC-TV.
The five-month investigation leading to Williams’ arrest involved over 20 search warrants, digital forensics, and subpoenas. Authorities uncovered that Williams had used search websites to locate personal information about the trooper and his family.
New York State Troop Commander Michael Sumnick condemned the attack, affirming that such reprehensible behavior targeting law enforcement officers would not be tolerated. “We will not tolerate this type of reprehensible behavior in which a member of law enforcement was targeted for simply carrying out his duty,” he declared.
Williams previously pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in Village of Warwick Court. His next court appearance has yet to be scheduled, as the community awaits further developments in this disturbing case.
See https://www.wvdispatch.com/2024/05/orange-county-district-attorney-david-m-hoovler-announces-arrest-in-arson-of-troopers-home/ for more details on this story.
